KERN tells the fascinating story about the core of a community and what binds us or tears us apart, exploring themes of interconnection, sustaining others and reciprocity, affirming one’s humanity through recognition of an “other’s” uniqueness,
Premiered in 2021 at Het Mandela Huisje and subsequently performed sold-out shows at The Orangerie, Zone2Source in the Amstelpark and Het Amsterdams Theaterhuis. Funded by Balkonscenes – Fonds Podiumkunsten and Amsterdam Fonds voor de Kunst.
How i work
The score is built around a hybrid production approach, combining organic, analog-recorded drum sounds with digitally synthesized textures. Physical percussion was recorded to capture human imperfection, pulse, and bodily presence, while digital synths introduced unstable, processed tones that added friction and emotional edge. Together, these elements created a slightly unhinged, forward-driving sound that never fully settles.
This contrast between analog and digital sound became central to the emotional research behind the piece. The music reflects themes of community, connection, and abandonment by balancing collective rhythm with sonic fragmentation. Repetitive grooves suggest togetherness and shared movement, while digital distortions and spatial processing evoke distance, isolation, and disorientation.
REVIEW – “The dancers deliver an impressive performance, and the performance presents a beautiful picture of the search for togetherness in a world of differences, which may be called a beautiful tribute to the person whose name this idyllic place bears.” – Boukje Cnossen, Theaterkrant.
‘KERN’ – the film version has now been recognized as a multiple AWARD WINNER:
Florence Film Awards – Best Sound Design
NYN Film Awards – Best Sound Design
Vesuvius International Film Fest – Best Director
Paris Play Film Festival – Best Dance film & Best Editing
Sweden Film Awards – Finalists
Florence Film Awards – Honourable Mention First Time Director
4THEATRE Film Awards – Official Selection
The International ScreenDance Festival – Official Selection
Open Vision Film Fest Festival – Official Selection
Kalakari Film Festival (India) – Official Selection
New Renaissance Film Festival (NL) – Nomination for Best Dance Film
See the IMDB Profile for KERN: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15619582/